Commission Handles Routine Business
The Jasper County Commission Monday met the new recreation director (see related story), heard about the audit for the tax digest, and approved road projects.
The commission also approved contracts for the senior center, as well as routine items such as the check registers and minutes from previous meetings.
During the county commissioner items near the beginning of the meeting, Commissioner Craig Salmon said there had been some comments that six months fund balance was excessive. He said his research shows that experts recommend anywhere from three to nine months emergency funds, saying that indicates six months fund balance is not excessive. He also asked the county manager, Mike Benton, about the progress on the new county website, and a Facebook page. Mr. Benton replied that the web page is close to being ready, and said he would give Mr. Salmon the link to look at it.
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Commission Chairman Carl Pennamon said it has come to his attention that the Public Works Department (PWD) needs another vehicle. He asked the sheriff to see if he had one that PWD could use.
Chief Appraiser Lynn Bentley presented the findings of her audits from 2016, 2015, an 2014 (see related story). She explained why it is important to have values that are uniform and equitable, and the impact if she does not make changes to the digest.
Commissioners approved the low bidder, Blount Construction, to pave 2.3 miles of Post Road at a cost of $659,730. Commissioner Doug Luke explained to those in the audience that it is frustrating to sit where he does and look at these costs. He said this board anticipated having so much more done by now, but paving is so expensive, progress is slow. Two miles of Post Road were done last year, and the part being done this year will be full depth reclamation, where the road will be dug up and relaid. The bid includes widening the road at this part. It will be approximately from Smith-Brock Road to Jeffries Road.
Commissioners also approved a speed limit change for Jackson Lake Road, from 45 to 35, on the section from Hwy. 11 north to Rocky Creek Road. The change was initiated by a complaint from a property owner.
In other business, commissioners:
•Approved a resolution for Judicial Tax Sales.
•Adopted the by-laws for the Jasper County Recreation Association.
•Heard a report from Pam Mayer, president of the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce (COC) about the number of visitors that have been in the center this year, a new “selfie” spot the county is getting, and other COC news.
